Chapter 4

The night of the Miller Enterprises Mid-Year Gala, the grand ballroom was packed with city elites and prominent investors.

Local business reporters and camera crews were stationed everywhere, live-streaming the gala across multiple platforms.

My father, Richard Miller, stood behind the podium, radiating the aura of a self-made titan.

Vanessa clung to his side in a daring red gown, her smile brighter than the crystal chandeliers overhead.

For all these years, Dad had always used the excuse of "keeping work stress away from the family" to bar Mom and me from ever attending his corporate events.

Back then, Mom had actually praised him for being a saint.

*"Your father protects us from his business burdens! I’m the luckiest woman in the world to have married him."*

Remembering that now was sickening.

The evening ceremony officially began, and Dad walked up onto the main stage under the blinding spotlight.

"Tonight, on this special occasion, I want to take a moment to honor someone extraordinary."

Dad’s resonant voice echoed through the speakers, filling every corner of the ballroom.

The spotlight swiveled, illuminating Vanessa.

She put on a practiced look of bashful humility, yet tightened her grip on Dad’s arm like a conqueror marking her territory.

"During my darkest, most grueling days, she was the one who stood by me, giving me warmth, strength, and unwavering support."

With every lie that fell from his lips, the hatred inside me burned hotter.

The seed money for his very first startup was earned by my mother, scrubbing greasy dishes in restaurant kitchens eighteen hours a day until her hands developed chronic, crippling arthritis.

When his first business went under and debt collectors banged on our door, Mom went from house to house on her knees, begging for extensions so he wouldn't face bankruptcy or prison.

During our poorest days, Mom even sold her own plasma at local clinics to put food on our table.

Time and time again, Mom was the shield that took every bullet for him.

Even days ago, Mom was ready to sacrifice the only inheritance Grandma Rose left her just to cover his imaginary losses.

And now, he was handing all that devotion to Vanessa on a silver platter.

Dad continued his monologue, locking eyes with Vanessa with overflowing tenderness.

Polite applause and cheers rippled through the audience.

Basking in the glory of the spotlight, Vanessa gently tugged Dad’s sleeve, whispering into his ear with an expectant, flirtatious gaze.

Dad chuckled knowingly, patted her hand, and turned back to the audience, his voice booming through the microphone.

"So tonight, on this momentous occasion, I want to present her with a birthday gift worthy of her dedication!"

He paused, letting the suspense build.

Vanessa held her breath, her eyes glittering with unmasked greed.

"I have secured a luxury downtown condo as her new home!"

Dad made a sweeping, generous gesture. "The deed transfer agreement is already drawn up! Whichever unit she desires, it is unconditionally hers!"

"I only hope this gift can begin to repay the love and devotion she has given me over the years!"

"Whoa!!"

The crowd erupted into gasps and thunderous applause.

Vanessa covered her mouth in dramatic shock, throwing her arms around Dad's neck, her voice choked with theatrical tears. "Richard! Oh, Richard, I love you so much!"

Dad hugged her proudly, soaking in the envy and adulation of the room.

"And one more thing,"

Seizing the momentum, he reached into his tuxedo breast pocket, pulled out a velvet box, and dropped onto one knee before her.

"Vanessa Vance... will you marry me?"

The velvet box popped open, revealing a massive diamond ring that sparkled brilliantly under the stage lights.

"Say yes! Say yes!"

The crowd chanted wildly, the atmosphere reaching a fever pitch.

Vanessa extended her trembling left hand, practically squealing: "Yes! A thousand times yes, Richard!"

Just as Dad was about to slide the ring onto her finger—

"Richard Miller."

A calm, steady woman’s voice cut through the noise from the back of the hall.

Instinctively, the spotlight operator swung the beam toward the entrance.

The heavy double doors of the ballroom had been pushed wide open.

Mom and I stood there side by side.

Mom stood with her back perfectly straight, her gaze like ice, cutting straight through the frozen couple on stage.

"That gift bought with every dime my mother left me..."

Mom spoke slowly, every word landing like a sledgehammer in the stunned silence.

"Do you really think she has the right to wear it?"